CHESHIRE Constabulary is expanding its front line fleet and introducing new vehicles to make police more visible and more capable of delivering high tech crime fighting.

The Force’s engineers have transformed 20 unmarked cars into fully kitted-out response vehicles to increase front line effectiveness. These vehicles have been adapted to integrate ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) technology with the emergency equipment and radio sets – all designed to enhance front line policing and help keep our communities safe.

In addition, a new range of vehicles are being added to the existing fleet as part of the continual upgrade of the Constabulary’s vehicles. This includes Peugeot 308 and the BMW 3 Series for beat cars and traffic cars respectively, while the new BMW motorbikes come equipped with integrated, factory-built emergency equipment.

In particular, the Force has worked closely with Peugeot on the design of the cars, developing how the specialist police equipment is fitted – creating a blueprint for all Peugeot response vehicles to be used by other police forces.

There are also new Mercedes Sprinter vans –adapted to provide exactly what officers need in their role of keeping public order at public events, operations and incidents – while new Ford Mondeo vans will transport our dog units and ensure the best possible animal welfare.

All these vehicles have a proven track record of being cost-effective throughout their service lives, ensuring the Constabulary is getting value for money. This is bolstered by the Constabulary’s membership of a collective vehicle procurement programme that is helping to achieve savings through bulk purchasing with several forces.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “We’re committed to being there where you need us, when you need us, and these vehicles, equipped with the latest technology, will ensure that we’re able to meet the demands on the Force and provide the best possible tools for our front line officers.”